Friday, June 27, 2008

The Family Side of Foreclosure (Part 1)

So many times we hear about all off the amazing Foreclosure deals...which I remember thinking, "Wow, if only I had a little extra money stashed away, I could become a Real Estate mogul and when the economy turns around I'll be rich!" I often wonder how many people think the same way?

Now my family is at the other end of the Foreclosure deal. We are struggling to come up with enough money to save our home. Our mortgage, property taxes, credit card bills, food and gas is putting us deeper and deeper in debt. I thought I would share our story...a perspective from a family on the brink of losing their dream.

Here's a little background info:

We are currently almost three months behind on our mortgage, property taxes are due, three months behind on our HOA (homeowners association dues), credit cards are maxed out (supplementing our incoming by using them), the boys are eating twice as much, (they're all growing right now), sports for football season alone is costing us $3,300.00 (3 boys play), and GAS (about $200.00 a week). Our home value has dropped considerably, was worth about $650,000.00, now worth less than we owe. Now that you understand the situation, I'll fast forward to our first attempt to make arrangements with the bank.

My husband called the bank today and told them we would make a payment on the 30th (don't know where the full amount is coming from...but I'm working on the faith thing!) Then they asked, "When can you make your next payment?" He said, "I don't know?" They snapped, "You have to give us another date!" "Okay...I guess the 15th". He called me at work and I asked, "How are we going to come up with it at the end of the month and the 15th and still buy food and gas?" He got ticked off, "I DON'T KNOW, I'm trying to by us time." Hmm, that was a great start!

Usually when finances are tight we are arguing all the time, the stress just gets to be too much, especially when we are working more hours, barely see each other, and still not able to pay our bills. Since becoming Christian (we both always believed but had been doing our own thing), we have really been trying to not rely on ourselves to get us through this...faith, hope and trusting that God has a plan for our lives. But of course we are only human...so the stress of our situation takes over and we have really been going at it lately. I try to lose myself in the computer and writing, while he asks every night, "Do you think maybe we can spend a little time together?" I don't know what my problem is, I just don't want to talk, or be around him right now. I know it's not his fault, and he is working his butt off, but I just want to be left alone! This is how I deal with stressful situations...I push all my emotions deep inside, run around like crazy, don't sleep, become emotionally unavailable for my family and stay on the computer writing for HOURS on end. I try to find a place to hide and escape from my reality.

Then off to work I go everyday...to a luxury Newport Beach, CA office where my bosses are Millionaires and don't have a care in the world about finances, while I try to put on my happy face, and act like my life is perfect too, (I'm really good at fooling everyone.) I try very hard not to feel sorry for myself, I pray, do a Bible study and watch Joyce Meyers every morning before I leave...it really does help! But my human side comes back, and I start to struggle again.

Stay tuned for Part 2....

My JourneyBy: Lisa Petrarca

Darkness crowds around meSqueezing out my airTake in a deep, cold breathA few more steps, just walkLook at the light aheadFaint but steadily shiningCalling out my nameMy feet are slowly movingIt seems far awayMy strength is disappearingThe light's calling me to comeThe darkness is thick and stiflingIt never seems to endThe light is getting closerMy feet begin to runIt overtakes the shadowsThe light now surrounds meI've made it through the darkThe light is so amazing my journey has just begun

Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He brought them out of darkness and the deepest gloom and broke away their chains. (Psalm 107: 13-14)

5 comments:

Sorry about your situation Lis. It seems like everything is so tough right now, with the economy, and employees not getting raises to keep up with the inflation. I think many people don't think of the families who have lost their homes to foreclosure, and how difficult it must be for them. I'll pray for you guys and keep the faith that everything will work out.I love you!

Oh... totally in the same boat here only haven't made a house payment since November. It's been on the market for almost a year now and NOTHING. I too work in an office with people who make BIG BUCKS and when they stand around trying to complain about how "bad" things are it's all I can do to hold my tongue....

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About Me

A writer, photographer, adventurer and Brady Bunch mom. I find joy in encouraging people to get outside their comfort zone, head outdoors and explore. There's always an adventure to be found...it makes life exciting!